The chorus of this song was written by Harry McClintock in 1928
but did not become famous until Burl Ives recorded it in the
50’s.
The Big Rock Candy Mountain is an area of brightly colored hills
just north of Marysvale, Utah. The song above was actually written
before this area was called the Big Rock Candy Mountain. Some
locals placed a sign there labeling it such jokingly, but the name
stuck and it is now known by this name.
These hills are a unique feature found in southern Utah due to
the volcanic activity in the area 22-35 million years ago. About 21
million years ago these volcanic deposits were intruded by at least
6 igneous bodies. One of these igneous bodies lays across the river
from the Big Rock Candy Mountain.
Superheated fluid was pushed into these volcanic deposits altering
the rock and creating the beautiful and varied colors seen in the
area today. The yellow, orange, and red colors are from the
presence of iron minerals, and the white color is due to the
presence of clays rich in potassium. Also associated with these
superheated fluids are ore deposits. The area of Marysvale was
originally a mining area where gold, silver, and other valuable
minerals were mined.
Questions:
1. From the posted coordinates, how many different spots of
color can you see? Estimate the height and width of one of them.
These different colored spots will give you an idea of the
potential size of some of these ore deposits. Make a guess as to
why they are located where they are.
2. Also at the posted coordinates is a sign listing mining
related constructions in the area. Please tell me what is located
at Location #4.
3. Feel free to post pictures of the area.(Not Required)
http://geology.utah.gov/surveynotes/geosights/candymtn.htm
http://artists.letssingit.com/burl-ives-lyrics-big-rock-candy-mountain-dx26kzx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Rock_Candy_Mountain
http://www.marysvale.org/history.htm